Things To Know About Bail Bonds
Ending up in jail is one of the last situations someone wants to be in. There are some people who behave in a careless manner that makes it more likely to happen. There are also individuals who are generally law-abiding citizens that make simple mistakes, causing them to get locked up. A simple example of this could be failing to pay a traffic ticket. No matter what the crime is that was committed when someone is locked up, getting out as soon as possible is usually the first thing they are concerned about. Unfortunately, even if a bail amount is set, some people don't have the funds available to get out of jail. In such a case, it is possible to contact a bail bondsman to obtain the money that is needed to get released from jail, but there are a few things that you much keep in mind.
You Still Have Legal Problems to Handle
Getting bailed out of jail doesn't mean that all of your legal problems will be over. The only thing bail will do is give you the opportunity to reside out of jail until you sort out the legal situation you are in. Basically, you will have the responsibility of going to court for as long as necessary until your case has been settled. A bondsman will usually only require you to pay a small percentage of the bond amount, but if you don't go to court as you should, the entire sum will be owed. If you have a genuine reason for not being able to make it to a court on an appointed date, be sure to let the court know and get permission to reschedule.
Bounty Hunters Can Come After You
Another thing that you should know when getting bailed out of jail is that a bondsman has the ability to find and arrest you if necessary. You will essentially become a fugitive from the law if you don't go to court. This will lead to a bondsman sending bounty hunters to find you. Even if you attempt trying to move to a state that is far away, it is possible that bounty hunters will be able to find out where you are hiding out at. Keep in mind that a warrant will also be out for your arrest, which means that cops will be looking for you.
Don't End Up Getting Sued in Court
Whether you are obligated to pay only a small percentage of your bond amount or the whole sum of it, make sure to fulfill your financial obligation to your bail bondsman. Failing to pay a bondsman can lead to you getting sued for what is owed. Any collateral that you used to get bailed out of jail can also become the property of the bail bondsman.